Harrison Bench, a student at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, is building a career in environmental law and policy. Bench co-founded Students for Climate Action during high school, an organization that connects young people with elected officials to advocate for climate and renewable energy policies. “The goal of Students for Climate Action is to connect youth with their elected officials to lobby for common-sense climate and renewable energy policy,” he said.
Bench has worked across private, public, and non-profit sectors, engaging with various branches and levels of government as well as both major political parties. Reflecting on his experiences, he noted that policy creation is only one part of the process. “Signing a bill into law does little if that law isn’t enforced, interpreted, and defended by a comprehensive network of attorneys in various sectors. Environmental attorneys, whether at government agencies, non-profit groups, or private firms, play a key role in the policy process.” He added that these insights led him to pursue law as the first in his family to attend law school.
Bench chose Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law because of its reputation in environmental law. “The Law School has a world-renowned environmental law program. It is close to my home on Long Island, a leader in the New York legal market, and offered a generous scholarship. I am ecstatic to be in New York and studying at the #1 environmental law program in the country.”
He described his time at Pace Haub Law positively: “While I’ve really enjoyed the courses I’ve taken so far, some of my favorite experiences have been outside of the classroom. Pace Haub Law and the Environmental Program have introduced me to countless real-world opportunities, resources, and connections. Whether it be a networking happy hour, a guest lecture, or this fall’s World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, I am so grateful to be at a school that prioritizes holistic and innovative approaches to legal education.”
Bench credited faculty members Katy Kuh and Achinthi Vithanage as influential mentors since starting at Pace Haub Law. “Professors Katy Kuh and Achinthi Vithanage have been incredible professors and mentors since my arrival. They’ve advised me on courses, introduced me to new organizations, connected me with job opportunities, and broadened my understanding of environmental law. I feel fortunate to have such dedicated, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking professors.” He is currently pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Environmental Law as well as participating in a dual degree program with Yale School of the Environment.
During his studies at Pace Haub Law, Bench completed internships with several organizations including the EPA’s Office of Regional Counsel in New York City; the New York State Department of Public Service on Long Island through an externship; and Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP’s Sustainability Advisory Practice.
Looking ahead after graduation Bench stated: “After graduating, I’d like to work at a law firm that specializes in environmental, climate, energy, and land use law. I am excited to apply the skills I’ve learned during my time at Pace Haub Law to real-world cases, transactions, and regulatory matters. Later on I would love to end up somewhere in the policy space either working in government service running for elected office or starting my own consultancy. My professors have been inspirational and because of them I think it would be fulfilling to teach in some capacity as well.”
Bench also serves as Student Co-Chair of ABA SEER’s Environmental Law Society Network (ELSN), which connects students interested in environmental law nationwide with professional development opportunities through ABA SEER—the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment Energy & Resources—and acts as Symposium Editor for the Pace Environmental Law Review.
Recently Bench was awarded second place in NYSBA’s 2025 William R. Ginsberg Memorial Essay Contest for his essay titled “Liar Liar BESS on Fire,” which explores battery storage history developments related safety concerns about battery energy storage systems (BESS), as well as local zoning regulations affecting these facilities.
Outside academics Bench enjoys spending time with friends family attending concerts visiting beaches He advises other students: “As a 1L there is a lot of pressure on students take every opportunity offered While it’s great get involved early on it’s important prioritize your mental health avoid burnout Be selective with your time saying no someone else allows you say yes yourself The right opportunities will find their way you when they do you will feel confident accepting them.”
